Waigeo and Arfak

Birding expedition

We begin our West Papuan birding adventure with two
relaxed introductory excursions outside the town of Sorong, situated on
the westernmost tip of New Guinea's Bird's Head or Vogelkop Peninsula.
Next morning, we set off on a four days' pilgrimage to the avian delights
of Waigeo Island in the fabled Raja Ampat archipelago off Sorong. On the
return journey to Sorong, we shall spend ample time on a tiny atoll in
Dampier Strait in pursuit of regional small island specialists. We then
shift our attention to the Arfak Mountains near Manokwari, on the opposite
side of the Bird's Head, where we shall be based for four nights in search
of an entire suite of so-called 'Vogelkop' endemics.

When?

Possible year-round, but most certainly best
from June to November.

Scheduled departures

Please enquire for details on our upcoming departures.

Physical effort

Reasonable physical fitness and good agility are required
for this tour which plies some challenging terrain.

Recommended extensions

Sorong lowlands

0.5 or 1 day
This Sorong birding walk covers a heterogeneous mix of secondary
lowland forests that support a well-diversified and colorful lowland
forest avifauna including the restricted-range Red-billed Brushturkey,
Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher and Black Lory, plus seven species
of bird-of-paradise.

Manokwari lowlands

0.5 or 1 day
This Manokwari birding walk takes us to a large tract of foothill
forest that supports a well-diversified and colorful lowland forest
avifauna including the restricted-range Red-billed Brushturkey,
Western Crowned Pigeon, and Painted Quail-thrush plus six species
of bird-of-paradise.